Nestled high on the southern slopes of Mount Nittany above
the historic village of Linden Hall, Mount Nittany Vineyard
& Winery commands a breathtaking view across the valley
to the distant Tussey Mountain Range. Just seven miles east
of State College and Penn State University, the vineyard and
winery are located in the heart of 65 acres of land which
stretches to the top of Mount Nittany.
The winery was opened for business in July of 1990 by proprietors,
Joe and Betty Carroll, who had been amateur winemakers for 20 years
during Joe’s career as a professor in the College of Business
Administration at Penn State. Their purchase in 1983 of the sixty-five
acre property was followed in 1984 by the first grape plantings.
The entire winemaking operation was initially contained in the original
chalet-style building which now houses a state of the art bottling line.
A spiral staircase leads upstairs to the tasting room and views of the
adjacent pond, mountain range, and the five acre vineyard.
During harvest in the fall, the grapes are processed on a covered
cement crush pad with a modern, stainless steel crusher/destemer
and bladder press. Several additions to the winery have increased
tank and barrel storage capacity to over 10,000 gallons. The latest
addition in 1998 provided needed bottle storage and a second-floor
banquet room for winery events, conferences, and catered events.
One reason behind the success of the winery is a well-suited microclimate.
The open exposure and excellent air drainage on the southern slope of Mount
Nittany protects against early and late frost damage and creates a favorable
environment for growing European and hybrid wine grapes. The five acre vineyard has
seven varieties, including Cayuga, Seyval Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay,
Vidal Blanc, de Chaunac, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In Loving Memory
'Prince' The Winery Dog
1999—2007
